First of all, a very happy New Year to one and all. Blwyddyn Newydd dda i bob un.

GOOD BEER GUIDE 2011

It seems that no sooner is one year’s Good Beer Guide published than it’s time to start thinking about the next edition. All members are very cordially invited – urged even – to attend one of the meetings at which we shall discuss selections for the 2011 edition. The more people that turn up, the more confidence we can feel in our selection. The meetings are very informal affairs, so don’t worry that you might feel left out – you won’t be. The first meeting will be on Saturday January 16th at the White Lion, Talybont, starting at 2.15pm. (For those coming from the Aberystwyth direction, bus X32 leaves town at 1.45). At this meeting we will need to shortlist the local entries for the next Guide. Are there any gems we’re missing? Are there any in currently which perhaps shouldn’t be? Please make every effort to attend – it’s your opinions that count. (And if you absolutely can’t make it, suggestions are always welcome on the number below).

There will then be five weeks to carry out the surveys of our shortlisted pubs before we meet on Saturday February 20th at the Nag’s Head, Bridge Street, Aberystwyth at 2pm .We will need completed survey forms back by this meeting please, so that we can make our final selection.

PUB OF THE YEAR

This year we have decided to call for formal nominations for this award. Details of how to nominate, and the criteria to be used in judging, are enclosed with / attached to this newsletter. So remember – if you know a pub that you think deserves the award, don’t wait for somebody else to nominate it – they might be waiting for you! No nomination – no award! The nominations will be considered, and a judging schedule drawn up, at our meeting on February 20th.

PUB NEWS

In Aberaeron, there are reports of good quality, interesting guest beers, along with a very friendly welcome, at the Cadwgan overlooking the harbour.

In Aberystwyth, the Ship and Castle has increased its cider offer with two handpumps (Westons Perry seen recently alongside the more familiar Old Rosie), together with some excellent Gwynt y Ddraig ciders in bottle.

ARE YOU ON LINE?

Around a quarter of branch members receive this newsletter by email. The more that do, the more money Camra saves – and the less tedious envelope-stuffing I have to do! No compulsion obviously, but if you are not getting this newsletter by email but would like to, please let me know on rhys.gwynedd@btopenworld.com.

FORTHCOMING BEER FESTIVALS

Don’t forget the National Winter Ales Festival at new venue the Sheridan Suite in Manchester from Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd January (evening only Wed, all day from noon Thurs - Sat). While there will be plenty of session-strength beers, along with a cider and perry bar, the main focus of the festival is on old and strong ales, porters, and stouts, with a huge range of both draught and bottled beers – and also some fine pubs to explore if you can tear yourself away from the festival.

Slightly nearer to home, Wrexham Beer Festival is on Friday and Saturday 26th and 27th February. Further details are at www.chestercamra.co.uk.

MEMBERS’ WEEKEND

This year, Camra’s national Members’ Weekend, incorporating the Annual General Meeting and Conference, takes place in Douglas, Isle of Man, from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th April. Yes, I know it’s a bit of a journey, but I would recommend anybody to attend at least one Members’ Weekend – it’s a great way to find out more about how Camra works through both the formal and the informal business. And the Isle of Man is well worth a visit, with some fine pubs and beers.

Iechyd da!

Rhys Jones, Chair, CAMRA Ceredigion.